Despite two tough losses against Utica and SUNY Plattsburgh to start the season, the State University of New York at New Paltz men's lacrosse team is looking to rebound at SUNY Potsdam Friday in just its second SUNYAC contest in program history.
 
"From this being our first SUNYAC game, we learned that these games aren't going to be easy and we need to play with confidence, pick up our ground balls, do everything correctly and we can be a good team," said Hawks freshman midfielder Ryan Kaelin. "We're all getting better as a team and we just need to all work together and trust the process." 
 
 
The Bears are coming off a recent loss against the Oneonta Red Dragons, 8-6 on March 26, but proceeded to blow out Morrisville State 16-5 this past Wednesday after opening the previously shortened 2020 season at 4-1. The Hawks have their work cut out for them as they make the four and a half-hour day trip to Potsdam. Josh Huiatt currently leads the Bears with seven goals and nine total points, including a hat trick from their last contest. 
 
SUNY New Paltz still showed some bright spots in its loss against the Cardinals. Kaelin stepped up to score two of the three goals by the Hawks and tallied eight of nine shots on goal, while freshman John Reese added his second goal of his first-year campaign. Kaelin and sophomore midfielder Aidan Gregory both currently pace the team in goals, points and assists, with the former having three goals and three points, as well as boasting an impressive .917 shot on goal percentage, and the latter having two goals and five total points, as well as being the current team leader in assists with three. 
"We are missing some of our key guys still, but I think against Potsdam as long as we need to do what we need to do on offense then we'll come out with the W," Kaelin said.
 
Even though SUNY New Paltz did lag slightly statistically against Plattsburgh, the Hawks were tasked against facing the Preseason No. 1 pick of the newly minted SUNYAC East Conference. Hawks coach Dwayne Stewart emphasized taking care of the ball and committing less turnovers as a focus for his team to concentrate on as a key takeaway from the last game. However, the young group will attempt to overcome their shortcomings and re-focus for Friday's contest against the Bears.
 
Faceoff between SUNY New Paltz and Potsdam Friday is scheduled for 4 p.m.

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